, we shall have to lie from morn to night; and you will be a bungler
at that, saving your presence. If there's a servant left in the house
who knows, I'd give that servant a present, and part with her before
Mrs. Little sets her foot in the house."

"This sounds very sensible," said Raby. "I am a novice at lying. But I
shall cultivate the art for poor Edith's sake. I'm not a fanatic: there
is justifiable homicide, so why not justifiable facticide?"

"Raby," said the doctor, "this young woman has said enough to show me
that she is more fit to conduct this delicate undertaking than either
you or I. Let us profit by the discovery, put our vanity in our pocket,
and give her the command. My dear, you see the importance, you see the
difficulty; now will you undertake it?"

"I will, sir," said Jael, firmly; "and I look to succeed, God willing. I
shall be in Wales this afternoon."

"Well, but would you not be the better yourself for one day's rest?"

"No, sir. I've learned, with a sad heart, what one day may bring forth.
After that, I'm sworn never to throw away a day. And, as for sitting
down and thinking, 'tis the worst thing I can do. I do thank God that in
this, my own heavy trouble, I'm not tied to my sad thoughts, but can get
about, and do a little of good for Raby House. Do what I will, 'tis but
giving them back one pig out of their own farrow; for we owe all we have
to them."

With this she retired to prepare for her journey, leaving both the
gentlemen lost in admiration of her simple virtues, and the clear
intelligence she had shown them in few words.

She traveled into Wales that very day, and many a burst of bitter grief
she had all by herself in the train.

At six P.M. she stood before Mrs. Little with a smiling countenance.
Mrs. Little welcomed her with some little pleasure and much surprise.

"Good news, madam," said Jael. "Squire Raby has sent me to bring you to
Raby Hall. He wanted to come himself, but I would not let him."

"That is good news," said Mrs. Little languidly. "Now I shall die at
peace with my brother--at peace with all mankind, I hope."

"You'll die when your time comes," said Jael. "But you have got a shorter
journey before you at present, and that is to Raby Hall."

"Raby Hall! I shall never see it again. I have no strength to move. I am
worn out with the battle of life. Stay with me here, and close my eyes."

"Of course I shall stay with you," said Jael, and began to gossip with
ev